Hybrid View

How important is Plushenko for Sochi Olympics?

Is Plushenko the most popular winter athlete in Russia? I could think the hockey team (Ovetskjin… ?) is Russia's main favorite and most under pressure to win gold. The Russian cross country skiers are also very good (the men won the relay at World Cup in Norway two weeks ago) as well as their biathlon team. And perhaps others… ? I read a post here somewhere which said Plushenko is a favorite to carry the Russian flag at the opening ceremony (don't remember who the voters were)

In short I wonder how much the Russians(except for figure skating fans) appreciate Plushenko and think it is important that he competes in Sochi.

I'm interested to hear from Russians on here what they think of him. He has to be a sports icon. His first world medal was SIXTEEN years ago and he's still around!!! Or are people in Russia just over him and wish he'd give up the ghost.

Whether he competes or not, his presence will be hugely important. As for flag bearing, hasn't he done so before? I know several countries have repeat flag bearers but you'd think a major Winter Olympics country like Russia would have other Russian athletes (eg Ovechkin) who could also have that honour.

I'm not Russian, but I have heard that the Russians greatly appreciate their previously successful athletes, even more so over the up and comers. They pay their respects, as so to say. This is why Plushenko might be chosen for the one men's spot that Russia has over Kovtum. That's where the debate is for them though: do they invest in a young skater who is the future of Russian men's skating, or do they pay tribute to Plushenko who has been wildly successful in his career? Even as a non-Russian, I cannot answer the question myself. I don't have an opinion one way or the other because I think both choices are great and make sense. Too bad Russia only has 1 spot.

That's where the debate is for them though: do they invest in a young skater who is the future of Russian men's skating, or do they pay tribute to Plushenko who has been wildly successful in his career? Even as a non-Russian, I cannot answer the question myself. I don't have an opinion one way or the other because I think both choices are great and make sense. Too bad Russia only has 1 spot.

Kovtun isn't the be-all and end-all. He's not consistent (well, okay, none of them are) and has pretty well got where he is so far through a combination of politics, Tarasova, and the judges somehow overlooking the general hideousness of his jump technique. He's not the only skater in Russia's future and I wish people would stop acting like he is. He's only a year younger than Gachinski, for goodness' sake.

Plushenko should go if his body holds up. If he cannot, then whoever EARNS it at Nationals and Euros should be sent. No more rubbish shenanigans like last year, where Kovtun's Worlds selection was made only because of Tarasova's backroom politics, rather than what Kovtun put on the ice.

But the article is strange: More than 15 million fans have already participated in voting for the Russian Olympic team flag bearer.... 6 458 for Plushy, 3 119 for Zaitseva etc. Maybe "translate" should mean "more than 15 000"

But the article is strange: More than 15 million fans have already participated in voting for the Russian Olympic team flag bearer.... 6 458 for Plushy, 3 119 for Zaitseva etc. Maybe "translate" should mean "more than 15 000"

Prior to the start of the Olympic Games in Sochi is already less than two months . So talk about the upcoming grand for Russia and the world sports event , of course , more . In addition to the medal prospects of our team in different sports , and is actively discussing who should be entrusted to carry the Russian flag at the opening ceremony of the Games ? 2014 . According to the ROC president Alexander Zhukov , the standard-bearer choose sportsmen Russian team captains precisely . "Change" about the chances of the most probable candidates for honorable mission .

Ilya Kovalchuk
(ice hockey)
... Note that because our team Olympic tournament starts on February 13 , participated in the ceremony will not affect the gaming potential Kovalchuk.
Chances: 35 percent.

Olga Zaitseva
(biathlon )
Zaitsev represent not particularly necessary - double Olympic champion and three-time world champion for many years playing at the highest level .
....
In addition, because women's sprint at the Games is planned only on Sunday, February 9 , after the Friday ceremony at biathletes will be enough time for rest and recovery.
Chances: 35 percent * .

Evgeni Plushenko
(figure skating )
Say " figure skating " - mean Evgeni Plushenko . At its three previous Olympics Plushenko won one gold and two silver medals , but few believed that Eugene will continue performances in amateur sport and try ( although it is not just about it said ) to qualify for the Olympic Games in Sochi . True, yet Plushenko in the Olympic team does not guarantee : after a major operation he needs to confirm its high class . But if he succeeds , the skater will be a real contender for the role of standard-bearer . Although Plushenko prevent , in particular, can tight competition schedule - February 6 , the day before the official start of the Games , Sculler will roll ???? short program team competitions , and scheduled for February 9, any program .
Chances: 15 percent.